Mr. Gerald C. Messer: Obituary

Gerald C. Messer, age 75, of Young Harris, Georgia passed away on December 5, 2016 at his home following an extended illness. Gerald was born on June 11, 1941 to the late Clyde and Leona (Dietz) Messer. He was born in Young Harris at the home of his grandparents, Coleman and Candace Dietz, in the little red house on the street behind the library. He had a special bond with Mrs. Inez Shook. She was present at his birth and always told him she gave him his first bath. When Gerald was nine years old, he moved to Kansas where he finished school. He went on to serve in the Navy Seabees in Cuba.

Gerald is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Beverly Townsend Messer; his dear little companion Mandy Messer; sisters-in-law, JoAnn Townsend, Patricia Townsend Clayton and Mary Gribble Townsend; nieces, Angie Graper and April Townsend; nephews, Gary Clayton and Ray Townsend; great nephews, Jordan Clayton, Brodie Graper, Jack Clayton, and Corbin Townsend; many cousins and friends also survive.

Visitation: Thursday, December 8, 2016 at Banister Funeral Home from 12:00-2:00 PM
Service: Thursday, December 8, 2016 at Banister Funeral Home at 2:00 PM with Rev. Harold Stiles and Rev. Billy Stiles officiating.
Interment: Following the service at Old Brasstown Baptist Church.  Pallbearers: Gary Clayton, Robby Graper, Ray Townsend, Corbin Townsend, Brody Graper, Jack Clayton and Jordan Clayton. Honorary Pallbearers: His friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to:

Shriners Hospitals for Children
1-855-365-4438
www.loveshriners.org
P.O. Box 1525
Ranson, WV 25438

or

Georgia Sheriff’s Youth Homes, Inc.
P.O. Box 1000
Stockbridge, GA 30281
770-914-1076

Banister Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.